A/N: I hate this chapter -.- . I'm not sure why I hate it, but I do. And it's short, I was going to cut it off half way, but then it would just be pitiful xD. Thank you to all the reviewers and I'm so, so, so sorry to the people I made cry! *showers with cookies*

Disclaimer: Masashi-sempai owns the good stuff.

Claimer: I don't want to claim this chapter =.= But I will, because it's mine.

Sentakushi

Choices

There's was a fork in the road and they each took different paths,

Neither waited for her and she was stuck with the question;

Should she follow her heart or listen to her head?

-

It only takes one wrong choice, to lead to a disaster.

-----x----

It didn't take long for Kari to cry herself to sleep. After all the stress she'd been under it was a welcome relief, allowing her body to recharge and relax. He had held her for a while where they sat on the floor before picking her up and carrying her to the bed, pulling the covers over them.

She stirred slightly, but soon relaxed when he pulled her to him again. Sasuke didn't feel at all sleepy; merely tired with everything that was going on around him. Everything was spiralling downhill and Kari was being dragged down with him. He twisted his hands in her hair, a habit he'd somehow acquired. It was soothing, like repeatedly stroking a cat.

He took his time to look at her, really look at her and take everything in. She looked older, and not just by the few months in which he'd known her. She looked years older.

His hand left her hair so his fingers could brush her cheek, soft and smooth yet dry from the recent tears. The healthy pink flush seemed to have disappeared from her cheeks and she was loosing her baby fat a little too quickly. He felt the curve of her cheekbone to where it was stating to hollow underneath. She was so tiny the extra weight loss couldn't be good for her.

His eyes roamed her face, burning it to his memory. Long black eyelashes kissed her cheeks while she slept, her eye lids hiding her doe like eyes. Her small ski-slope nose and her full petal pink lips. Her blonde bangs had gotten a little long, falling slightly into her eyes, despite the fact she cut it, they weren't exactly neat and straight like the Hyuuga girl she adored, yet they still framed her face nicely. The rest of her hair had grown out to her waist, strong and shiny.

He took hold of one of her hands, running his thumb along her palm and the back of her hand. Her hands were soft and delicate, more fit for a lord's daughter than a shinobi. Her fingers were slim and elegant, her knuckles harshly sharp when clenched, and her palm was barely thicker than her tiny wrist.

She was pulled closer, back into his embrace while he ran a hand down her side. She was thinner, her waist had started to narrow and her hips were slightly wider yet she hadn't begun to put on the added weight to pad them with curves. Sasuke found himself frowning when his fingers ran down her ribs, able to feel the indent of each one, before he felt her hip, sharp and protruding with barely any meat at all.

'What have I done to you…?'

Of course, it wasn't all his fault. It was everything piling on top of her until she couldn't breathe. She'd lost weight due to stress and she became ill because she was careless with her safety compared to other peoples.

But admittedly, part of it was his fault.

Even so, she was still beautiful to him. She was still Kari. He pulled her closer and pressed his lips to her forehead.

"Gomen."

Silently, he detangled himself from her and slid out the bed. He picked up his bag and pulled it onto his shoulder, pulling the straps straight. Glancing at her, he noticed she hadn't stirred. He crossed the room to stand in front of his team picture, his eyes scanning each face, a happy Sakura, him and Naruto glaring at each other while Kakashi placed a hand on their heads with what he guessed was a pained smile and Kari stood beside Naruto looking as though she couldn't be happier.

'Where have those times gone?' His hand reached out to touch the frame, before placing it face down.

'Those times are over now."

He walked slowly to the door, opening it carefully so it wouldn't creak too loudly. Before he left he looked back at her once more, just to remember her, the way she looked, the way she smelt, the way she felt…

And then he was gone.

Not a second later her eyes opened as tears broke free. Hers hands came to settle over her heart, gripping the material covering it.

So that was it. He'd made his choice.

She wasn't a good enough reason to stay.

-----x----

As soon as he stepped out the building, he felt a crippling internal blow to his heart. It tightened horribly, as though wires had been wrapped around it, and cut into the organ with every beat. An uncomfortable weight dropped into the pit of his stomach and a searing pain shot through his eyes and throat.

He took a breath to regain his composure and straightened, starting to walk. His steps felt so heavy and slow as he walked, feeling as though he were travelling through sludge in shackles, with weights strapped to his feet. He closed his eyes and concentrated on his breathing and placing one foot in front of the other.

'Don't look back and you'll be fine. Don't look back.'

He knew if he looked back his determination would weaken and he'd run back to her. He struggled to force all thoughts out of her out of his head, but he just couldn't. Every time he tried to clear his mind, her face would pop up or her voice would whisper to him. He flinched as though he had been struck and shook his head violently.

'No, don't think about her!'

But how do you forget something of such importance?

Everything led back to her. Every sound, she would hear clearer, the dark made her uneasy, but she could see better then most, he had walked with her on this path for missions and could almost feel her skipping along side him, trying to hide her excitement. The academy, where she'd desperately wished she could attend but never had the chance to, and the swing, where Naruto had pushed her while they laughed like little children.

As he walked, he caught sight of a flash of colour.

Sakura.

-----x----

Naruto awoke at the sound of his window sliding open and the cool air dancing across his face. Usually he would have slept through it, but he was tense at the moment, making him uneasy. His eyes opened slightly and he sat up once he realised who it was.

"Gomen, I didn't mean to wake you."

"Kari-chan… Have you been crying?" Naruto asked, a little more alert at the crack in her voice.

"Iie," she said with a weak smile as more tears cascaded down her face. "As stupid as it sounds, I just really need someone to hold me right now." Her voice choked and her breath caught in a sob her shoulders quivering. "Stupid, ne?"

"Course not," he said softly, holding his hand out to her. She took it and he gently pulled her to him, bringing her onto his lap and enveloping her in a comforting hug. "What's wrong dattebayou?"

"Everything…" she said sniffling, her chest tight.

"That's not true, we're best friends and there's nothing wrong about that, ne?" he said and smiled when he head her choke on a small laugh.

"Hai, you're the only thing that seems to be right."

"And Kita-chan, but she's out for the count on the couch right now, dattebayou," Naruto said as he leant back. "Let's lay down."

"Naru…?"

"Hmm?" he replied sleepily, at the edge of his dreams. They were so close it was impossible to fit anything between them, both physically and mentally. She pressed her face into his warm chest, her eyes still raw from tears.

"You know I love you, right?"

"Not as much as I love you dattebayou." She smiled gently.

"And you'll never doubt that, or forget that?" she asked, more tears managing to find their way out.

"Never, ever. Even if the whole world tells me different. Even if you say you don't, I know I'm your best friend and I'm a precious person to you. And you'll never doubt me, ne?"

"Arigatou, kitsune-nii."

"Can you sing that rhyme from before? Then I promise I'll go to sleep," he said pressing his lips to her forehead. She sang it to him in Japanese this time, just to drag the rhyme out a little longer.

"Anata ha watashino taiyou, watashino yuiitsuno taiyou,

Anata ha tsukuru watashiwo shiwasena, haiirono sorani shite iru,

Anata no aisuru wakara nai yo, dore dake watashiha anata no sewa,

Fukuyoshinai dekudasai shite kudasai, watashino taiyouno hanarete."

As promised, by the end, he was sleeping like a baby. She gently kissed his forehead, managing a smile through her tears.

"Oyasuminasai, yokunemaru Taiyou-kun."

'Goodnight, sleep well Sunshine.'

-----x----

Sasuke came to a stop, immediately making sure his barriers were up.

"What are you doing wandering around here at night?" he asked.

"Because in order get out of the village, you must take this road," Sakura said quietly.

"Go home and sleep," he said blankly, walking past her as though she wasn't even there.

"Doushite?" she whispered as a tear slid down her cheek. "Why won't you tell me anything? Why do you always stay silent? Why won't you say anything to me?

"Why do I have to tell you anything?" Sasuke said, drowning out her voice with that harsh remark. He stopped, his temper flaring slightly, but did not turn to face her tears. "It's none of your business. Stop concerning yourself about what I do."

"You've… always hated me, huh?" she smiled sadly. "Do you remember? The day we first became Genin, and when our three-member team was first chosen? The day you and I were here alone, you got mad at me, remember?"

"Oh yeah, you know how he doesn't have parents, right? If you're alone your parents won't get mad at you. That's why he's so selfish."

"The solitude… You can't even compare it to when your parents get mad at you."

"D-doushita?"

"You're annoying."

She smiled and looked up at his back expectantly.

"I don't remember."

"Makes sense, that's something that happened a while ago, even before Kari-chan came," Sakura said her tears dropping onto the ground in front of her. "But that's the day everything started… you and I, also Naruto and Kakashi-sensei. Then Kari-chan and Kita-chan came soon after."

She couldn't stop the memories flashing through her mind at a fast pace. The happier times, when they were beginning to bond.

"The six of us completed a number of missions together. They were tough and a lot of work… Demo, above all, it was fun!" She took a deep breath, seeing how he hadn't moved. "I know about your clan, but revenge… that won't make anyone happy. No one. Neither you, nor I." Clouds passed over the moon, making it darker. But she could still see him.

"Just as I thought. I'm different from you guys. I walk a different path than you guys. I tried to think that it was my path to do the things we've done up until now. The six of us did things together, but in the end my heart decided on revenge. That's my purpose in life. I can't become like you, Naruto…" Sasuke slightly hesitated before saying her name. "…or Kari."

"Are you going to choose to be alone again?! On that day you taught me solitude was painful! I understand that so well right now. I have a family, and I have friends, but if you're gone… To me… It'll be the same as being alone!" she sobbed, the stone beneath her feet damp from tears.

"From here on… A new path will open for all of us."

"I… I love you so much!" she cried clasping her hands in front of her.

'We love you, even if we don't always show it!'

"If you stay with me, I'll make sure you won't regret it! Every day will be fun. We'll definitely be happy. I'll do anything for you. So… Please! Stay here! I'll help you with your revenge. I'll do something! So please stay here… with me!" Sakura begged. The moon peeped out from behind the clouds and lighted their way once more. "If you can't stay, take me with you." Finally, he looked around.

"You really are annoying." He turned and started walking.

"Don't leave!" she cried running after him. "If you do I'll scream--!" he appeared behind her and she fell silent.

"Sakura… arigatou."

She felt a strike to the back of her head and everything went black.

"Sasu...ke… kun…"

-----x----

He picked her up and placed her down on the bench. He was grateful that she cared so much for him, yet couldn't feel the same way. She was a friend, nothing more. He sighed and looked at the crystalline tears still wet on her face. That was two girls he'd made cry their hearts out today.

He turned, prepared to leave when a wind kicked up, slamming into his side. He shielded his eyes with his hands and waited a moment for it to settle. Lowering his arm his expression hardened.

"Kari."

She didn't answer, standing side on, the wind teasing her golden locks. She appeared blank as though not realizing he was there. He took a step forward and she didn't react. He took slow hesitant steps forward, watching her warily. Sakura he could handle no matter how hysteric she got, Kari was a whole different matter. He stopped hen he was in line with her, waiting for her to do something. When she didn't he started walking forward again, only for a tight grip to find his wrist.

"Let go."

His voice was a mumble, not wanting to be soft so that she broke down again but not wanting to be harsh in case she snapped and attacked.

"I need to go. You said you know me, so you know I need to do this."

He was getting irritated with her lack of reply and managed to wrench his arm out of her grasp. He resisted the urge to rub it and stepped forward turning to face her. Any words he prepared died in his throat when they looked at each other. Her eyes were completely dull, a bitter smile on her face. Her cheeks were streaked with red and her eyes were bloodshot.

If he left, she would lose her mind.

"Kari," he said weakly stepping forward and extending his hand only for her to flinch away.

"No…" she mumbled and brought her arms up to hug herself.

"Kari, it's me, it's Sasuke," he said stepping closer as she inched away.

"You're lying, Sasuke promised he'd never leave me…" she whispered.

"Don't do this to me," he begged, reaching out to touch her but his hand was slapped away. "Kari, please…" She fell to her knees gripping her ears. He crouched beside her sick with worry. "What have I done to you?"

"You lied…"

"I'm sorry," he said desperately but she still flinched away. "I'm not doing this to hurt you, I need power to protect you."

"You can't protect me…"

In a quick movement he managed to pull her to him and rocked gently back and forth in an attempt to soothe her.

"I don't want to lose you," she said caving in and embracing him back.

"You won't," he said gently. He tilted her head up gently, wiping away her tears. "Come with me."

"N-nani?!"

"That way we'll still be together and no one here would blame you," he said, becoming more and more positive at the thought. She'd been invited as well hadn't she?

"I can't," she said.

"You can, and that way you can watch my back so you won't have to worry about me getting killed," he said, refusing to take no for an answer.

"But when Sakura asked…"

"We both know she'd be killed," he said grimly. "I know you're strong enough to survive and…"

"And?" she repeated puzzled.

"I don't want to be away from you."

"W-what do you mean?!" Kari squeaked feeling her face warm.

"I don't understand enough to elaborate, but I can't stand the thought of being away from you," he placed his forehead against hers. "Come with me Kari."

"I…" but she was cut off when his lips descended on hers. It wasn't a tease though, and there was no hint of a smirk. It was gentler, more hesitant… wait was she about to faint?! When his tongue slid into her mouth she eventually gave in, allowing him to kiss her despite her probably crimson face. Eventually, he allowed her air. "Sas-sasu…?!"

"Yeah, and I want to do that as well," he mumbled, furious that a slight blush surfaced on his face. Kari let her head thud against his chest.

Well didn't this make things a million times more complicated. She glanced at what she could sill see of Sakura and felt horribly guilty. She had heard everything she'd said, including the confession and it tore at Kari's heart.

"Sasu…"

"Hm?" She'd started with that irritating nickname again so he hoped that was a good sign.

"I keep my promises."

Why did that sound bad? Was she going to say she'd promised Naruto she wouldn't leave the village without him or something?

"I said I'd never leave you alone, remember?"

Now this was Uchiha Sasuke. He didn't do lovestruck grins of joy. But he did manage a reasonable smile that Kari found her heart flutter slightly to. Then again it was so adorable grown men would've felt a tickle in their hearts.

"So… So you'll come with me?"

"Someone has to look after your stupid Uchiha ass, don't they?" she said sniffling. His arms enveloped her into a hug Naruto or Lee would be proud of it was so tight.

"Arigatou…" he murmured. "Arigatou Kari… Arigatou…"

Damn right thank you. He owes her big-time. Crap, the tears are coming again…

"I know this is hard for you…"

Actually, you have no idea.

"But I'll be there. It'll be okay," he promised and Kari nodded weakly as he stood, bringing her up with him. She separated from him and headed over to Sakura, laying the jacket from Kiba over her. "She's just knocked out," he reassured.

"Do you think she'll be alright?"

"She'll be fine."

She looked round at him, hesitation written all over her face. He held his out to her and after a moment she hesitantly reached for it, allowing him to take her hand and lace their fingers.

"Don't let go," he whispered to her.

"You either," she said thickly as tears brimmed in her eyes again. He squeezed her hand concerned by the tears but she just smiled weakly. "Gomen, but you'll just have to put up with it."

"As long as you're here, that's what matters," he said placing a soft kiss on her forehead. With a soft tug on her hand she started walking at his side, she looked back at Sakura, her eyes locking with the gleaming eyes in the darkness, sitting next to Sakura and gloss with sorrow.

'Be strong Kita-ko, don't forget you mission.'

'Okaasan… I love you and I'll miss you very, very, very much,' Kita thought back, her voice thick with tears.

Kari whimpered softly as her tears thickened. She was leaving her friends and Kita behind to protect him and it hurt more than words can ever say. Sasuke didn't say anything, just squeezed her hand and stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.

She couldn't turn back now, she'd made her choice.

Gomenasai minna.

-----x----

"We've been waiting, Sasuke-sama."

"What are you plotting now?" Sasuke asked while he felt Kari tense next to him, the prickle of angry chakra against his skin. "Kari," he warned and she fell silent.

"When you left the village, it was decided that you became our leader," they were carefully avoiding eye contact or mention of Kari, a wise move. "Please forgive our rudeness earlier." They were all bowing before them, Sakon being the one that spoke.

"Hn, I don't give a crap about that," Sasuke scoffed, walking past them and practically dragging Kari behind him. She was so stiff, ready to attack at any moment. He turned back to them as they stood. "Let's go."

Gomenasai minna, gomenasai, gomenasai, gomenasai…

He glanced at Kari for a moment and then looked back to the village they abandoned.

"It begins."

-----x----

"It's four in the morning," Kotetsu whined as the sun lit the sky in celebration of its return. The clouds were still tickled pink it was so early. "Godaime really abuses her people." He and Itsumo were left struggling with armfuls of books at this early hour. "She could have got the documents she left behind herself." He suddenly stopped.

"Doushita?" Itsumo asked. They took a few steps forward to come level with a girl sleeping on a bench a puppy snuggled into her side and a jacket thrown over her.

"Oi, wake up. If you sleep here you'll catch a cold."

Sakura's eyes fluttered drowsily. What happened…?

"Arigatou.""Sasuke-kun!" she gasped sitting up quickly. Her eyes watered and she became aware of something around her. A black jacket that she'd seen Kari wear after she had been given it by Kiba.

'Kari…chan?'

"Sakura-chan, wakarinai de," Kita said beside her. "I'm sad too." Sakura brought the cub into her arms and her tears came heavier.

'Kari-chan… She followed Sasuke-kun to protect him for Naruto and I…' Sakura choked on a sob. 'That mark made her so ill… she'll die…'

-----x----

Tsunade was startled from her nap by a sharp knock. She quickly sat up, oblivious to the ink printed on her cheek and the drool down her chin. The door opened to reveal Kotetsu and Izumo.

"Ah, thank you," she said simply.

"AA! Godaime! You were sleeping just now, weren't you?!" Kotetsu cried. "While making us get these documents you were sleeping, weren't you?!"

"Ehehe…" she laughed sheepishly.

"More importantly, Hokage-sama, there's something we need to report," Izumo said, able to tell his partner was still seething.

"Nan da?"

"Nan da to?! Is this true?!" Tsunade cried as Kita jumped onto her desk sitting with her fluffy white tail curled underneath her.

"Hai."

"According to Haruno Sakura, there's no mistake."

'I didn't think… He'd already make his move.' Tsunade thought.

"I will get what I want, and this time I will completely crush Konoha."

'So you want Uchiha's ability. And that mark on Kari's neck… The Uchiha has the same one. You want her too… That twisted freak.'

"Kita!" Tsunade said, turning to the depressed little wolf. One look in those heartbroken eyes and she already knew. "Kari… Kari went with him, didn't she?"

"Okaasan requests the mission to follow Uchiha Sasuke and observe him, Orochimaru and all of Orochimaru's associates. She wants to pretend to become his student while keeping an eye on him, to keep alert for any follow-up attacks on Konohagakure no sato. She wishes to make it perfectly clear that she is not betraying Konoha or Tsunade-sama, but cannot allow Uchiha Sasuke to go alone in fear that he shall lose his life," Kita said sadly. Tsunade sat down in her seat giving a moment for her thoughts to process. Unless she wanted Kari labelled a traitor, she'd have to approve.

"Izumo. Kotetsu. There's someone I want you to get for me."

-----x----

"Late last night, Uchiha Sasuke left the village, and there is no mistake that he is heading for Oto no sato. Kari has followed in an attempt to protect him."

"Left? Why?" Shikamaru cried.

"Orochimaru lured him."

"Ch-ch-chotto matte yo! What does a dangerous guy like him want with Sasuke and Kari?"

"That's not important, we don't have any time to lose," Tsunade said sternly. "For now, I'm assigning your first mission as a Chuunin."

"Is it to bring Sasuke back?" Shikamaru asked. 'As long as there are no enemies it shouldn't be too troublesome, besides I'll have Kari as another Chuunin as back up when I arrive.'

"Aa. However, Kari was heavily injured last night before Sasuke left, though I healed her, she should still be quite weak. This mission must be completed quickly, and there could be some trouble."

"Ne?"

"There is a high possibility that Orochimaru's subordinates are guiding Sasuke."

'This has turned into a troublesome situation. But that guy… I always thought he was amazing at everything and someone to look up to. Kari's so innocent and full of life, how could she have been dragged down such a dark path?'

"So for this mission I need a squad of four, compromised of Jounins or Chuunins," Shikamaru requested.

"I cannot give you that."

"Eh?! Nande?" Shikamaru cried.

"You should know. Besides the Jounins that must stay, most are away from the village on missions. In the next thirty minutes, gather as many exceptional Genins as you can, then set off on your mission. Take Kita with you," she gestured to Kita who immediately ran to Shikamaru's side. "She can sense Kari's aura and has reasonable skills. She might even be able to connect with Kari telepathically at some point. If Kari needs to tell you something, she can."

"It's troublesome, but I can't let it go because it's someone I know. Besides Kari's a friend. Maa, I'll do what I can."

"There's one person I'd like to recommend," Tsunade said softly.

-----x----

Shikamaru headed swiftly towards Naruto's apartment.

How could he tell the guy two of his friends were gone, one of them practically his conjoined twin. But Shikamaru did what he was told.

"NANI?!! You're kidding, right?!!"

"You're so loud in the morning," Shikamaru drawled. 'Why him?'

'Damn him… That's why Kari-chan came crying to me in the night. Now she's gone after him, to protect him. Kari-chan… after all you've been through, now this?!'

"Chotto matte, I'll go change right away!" Naruto cried, throwing off his sleeping cap and rushing inside.

'Hold on Ookami-nee, I'm coming Kari-chan!'